LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Ciiap. CoDyright No. 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



STUDIES 



IN THE 



Acts of the Apostles 




B^'^-'XOOMIS, Ph.D., D.D. 




NEW YORK: EATON & MAINS 
CINCINNATI : CURTS & JENNINGS 



Copyright, 1896, by 
EATON & MAINS 
New York. 



Eaton & Mains Press, 
150 Fifth Avenue, New York. 



X CONTENTS. 

LiJ 

5 ' 

Page 

Preface, .......... 7 

Methods of Study, ........ 9 

Methods of Instruction, . . . . . . . 10 

The Course Divided into Lessons, . . . . .11 

First Study — Analysis of the Book of Acts, . . . 13 
Second Study — The Introduction, ..... 18 

Third Study — Preparation for Pentecost, .... 22 

Fourth Study — The Pentecostal Church, . . . .26 

Fifth Study — The Church in Transition, .... 32 

Sixth Study — The Gentile Church Established, . . .40 

Seventh Study — Paul's First Missionary Journey, . . 45 

Eighth Study — The Gentile Church Recognized, . . .49 

Ninth Study — Paul's Second Missionary Journey, . . 52 

Tenth Study — Paul's Third Missionary Journey, . . -57 

Eleventh Study — Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment, . . 62 

Twelfth Study — Paul's Voyage to Rome and Imprisonment, 67 



PREFACE. 



The constantly increasing interest taken in the study of 
the English Bible is cause for great satisfaction on the part 
of all lovers of the divine Word. 

There has always been much devotional reading of the 
word of truth by believers, since here is found the bread of 
life for the soul. But this reading has been very largely 
fragmentary, of isolated passages, without reference to the 
scope of the book as a whole, or their relation to other por- 
tions of the author's writings. Recently, however, the Bible 
has been studied more in a systematic manner, the inductive 
method has been applied, and questions of relation, time, 
place, circumstances, are taken into account, so that more 
clear and intelligent ideas of its real teaching have been 
gained. 

The Bible has been made a text-book in a large number of 
institutions of learning, and regular recitations are heard, and 
as thorough preparation required as in any other branch of 
study. 

It is for the promotion of this advanced movement that 
the present volume has been prepared. As its title indicates, 
this is not a book for mere cursory reading, nor even a book 
whose contents are to be simply memorized, but it is designed 
as a guide and aid to the faithful student in acquiring a clear 
understanding of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. 



8 



PREFACE. 



This work has been prepared as a companion volume to 
Dr. J. L. Hurlbut's Studies in the Four Gospels, to be used 
consecutively with it, and hence follows the same general 
plan and arrangement of topics. 

The author has consulted numerous authorities in the prep- 
aration of the work, and spared no pains in seeking to arrive 
at just conclusions on all doubtful questions of chronology, 
etc. He desires especially to acknowledge his obligation to 
Rev. J. L. Hurlbut, D.D., for permission to make use of 
some Studies i?i the History of the Early Church, published in 
the Sunday School Jourfial for 1892, and which have been 
largely incorporated into the present volume, to the great 
enrichment of its pages. 

The preparation of these " Studies " has been largely a 
labor of love, pursued with great delight in the midst of the 
duties of a busy pastorate, and in the hope that by the divine 
blessing they may be found helpful to the great host of 
students and teachers of the Word, to whom they are most 
respectfully dedicated by 

The Author. 

Cambridge, N. Y., May 15, 1896. 



METHODS OF STUDY. 



This book is designed as a guide and aid to the student in pursuing a 
systematic and intelligent study of that wonderful volume of early Church 
history known as " The Acts of the Apostles." It should not be forgotten 
that it is the sacred record, rather than this little volume, which is to be 
the subject of study. Hence, the Scripture references are veiy copious 
and the most thorough study requires that they all should be searched out 
and re-read in connection with the topics under consideration. 

Still, as it is systematic study which is proposed, it will be found a great 
help to pay careful attention to the framework of the truth by faithfully 
memorizing all the principal divisions and subdivisions of each lesson be- 
fore entering upon the minute details. 

For example, take the First Study, page 13, and memorize the four 
principal divisions, which are indicated by Roman numerals, thus : 
I. The Introduction and Dedication. 
II. The Pentecostal Church. 

III. The Transitional Church. 

IV. The Gentile Church. 

Then taking up I, notice the brief introduction (Acts i. 1-3) and the 
person to whom the work is dedicated, looking up the scriptural references 
bearing on his life and character, and noting the significance of his 
Greek name. Careful attention should be paid also to the inspired 
author's statement of the general scope of his book. 

In a similar manner treat the other divisions of this Study, II, III, IV. 
Then, as a test of memory, make the attempt to recall all the divisions and 
subdivisions from the Blackboard Outline at the end of the Study, and fix 
the whole indelibly in the mind by use of the Questions for Review which 
are appended. 

Frequent repetition is with most minds the price which they must pay 
for a firm grasp of truth, and when the truth is so precious it will well 
repay for all the time and toil. 



METHODS OF INSTRUCTION. 



Various methods of instruction will doubtless be pursued by teachers of 
the divine Word who may use this little volume as a text-book in their 
classes. It is to be expected that such will adopt their own plans, but 
some methods may be suggested which arise from the plan and object of 
the book itself. 

1. The twelve studies may be taken up consecutively at the summer As- 
semblies, giving a day or more to each study, and by the use of the Black- 
board Outlines and oral instruction, with much patient drilling, a somewhat 
complete mastery of the subject may be gained during the Assembly, and a 
creditable examination passed at its close. 

2. Or the normal instructor, especially in the shorter Assemblies, may 
pursue the lesson-lecture style of teaching, unfolding and opening up the 
work during the Assembly and leaving the membei^s of the class to pursue 
the study in private until they are prepared for examination, when papers 
can be obtained from the Secretary of the Normal Union, 150 Fifth Ave- 
nue, New York. 

3. Normal classes may be organized in churches, young people's soci- 
eties, or communities, and the course pursued in weekly lessons. 

4. Teachers' meetings for the study of the International Lessons may 
very profitably take this course as a supplemental study, in which case it 
is well to use the division into shorter lessons as given on page ii. 

Whatever method is adopted the instructor will find that frequent 
reviews are of the utmost value. Each lesson learned should be reviewed 
before an advance lesson is given, and general reviews from the very first 
should be conducted from time to time. 



THE COURSE DIVIDED INTO LESSONS. 



Whenever it is found impracticable to give an entire evening to the 
study of these lessons they may be taught at the close of the prayer meet- 
ing or of the young people's meeting, or they may occupy a part of the 
hour at the weekly teachers' meeting. 

To provide for cases where but twenty or thirty minutes can be given to 
such studies, the twelve studies have been divided into thirty-five shorter 
sections, any one of which may be taught in twenty minutes when teacher 
and class are both well prepared. 

Lesson I. Analysis of the Book of Acts. Dedication and General Divi- 
sions. First Study, I. 

Lesson II. Analysis of Acts. The Pentecostal Church. First Study, II. 

Lesson III. Analysis of Acts. The Transitional Church. First Study, 
III. 

Lesson IV. Analysis of Acts. The Gentile Church. First Study, IV. 
Lesson V. Introduction to the Book of Acts. Authorship. Second 
Study, I. 

Lesson VI. Introduction to Acts. Authenticity, Date, and Place. Sec- 
ond Study, II, III, IV. 
Lesson VII. Introduction to Acts. Relation to Gospels and General 

Scope. Second Study, V, VI, VII. 
Lesson VIII. Preparation for Pentecost. Waiting at Jerusalem and the 

Ascension. Third Study, I, II. 
Lesson IX. Preparation for Pentecost. The Prolonged Prayer Meeting 

and Recompletion of Apostolic Number. Third Study, III, IV. 
Lesson X. The Pentecostal Church. Time, Place, and Environment. 

Fourth Study, I, II, III. 
Lesson XI. The Pentecostal Chuixh. Events. Fourth Study, IV. 
Lesson XII. The Pentecostal Church. Leadership and Membership. 

Fourth Study, V, VI. 
Lesson XIII. The Pentecostal Church. Government, Institutions, and 

Doctrines. Fourth Study, VII, VIII, IX. 



12 THE COURSE DIVIDED Ix\TO LESSONS. 



Lesson XIV. The Church in Transition. Time and Place. Fifth Study, 
I, IL 

Lesson XV. The Church in Transition. Events. Fifth Study, III. 

Lesson XVI. The Church in Transition. Leadership and Membership. 
Fifth Study, IV, V. 

Lesson XVII. The Church in Transition. Government, Institutions, and 
Doctrines. Fifth Study, VI, VII, VIII. 

Lesson XVIII. The Church among the Gentiles. The Gospel Spread- 
ing Abroad. Sixth Study, I. 

Lesson XIX. The Church among the Gentiles. The Church at Antioch. 
Sixth Study, II. 

Lesson XX. Paul's First Missionary Journey. The World's Preparation 
for the Gospel and the Chosen Messengers. Seventh Study, I, II. 

Lesson XXI. Paul's First Missionary Journey. The Places Visited. 
Seventh Study, III. 

Lesson XXII. The Gentile Church Recognized. Preparation and Ne- 
cessity for Recognition. Eighth Study, I, II. 

Lesson XXIII. The Gentile Church Recognized. Process of Recogni- 
tion. Eighth Study, III. 

Lesson XXIV. The Gentile Church. Time and Place. Ninth Study, 
I, II. 

Lesson XXV. The Gentile Church. Paul's Second Missionaiy Journey. 
Ninth Study, III. 

Lesson XXVI. The Gentile Church. Leadership and Membership. 

Tenth Study, I, II. 
Lesson XXVII. Paul's Third Missionar}"- Journey. Time, Companions, 

and Places. Tenth Study, III, i, 2, 3. 
Lesson XXVIII. Paul's Third Missionary Journey. Events. Tenth 

Study, III, 4. 

Lesson XXIX. The Gentile Church. Government. Eleventh Study, I. 
Lesson XXX, Paul's Arrest at Jerusalem. Eleventh Study, II. 
Lesson XXXI. Paul's Imprisonment at Csesarea. Eleventh Study, III. 
Lesson XXXII. The Gentile Church. Institutions and Doctrines. 

Twelfth Study, I, IL 
Lesson XXXIII. Paul's Voyage to Rome. Twelfth Study, III. 
Lesson XXXIV. Paul's Imprisonment in Rome. Twelfth Study, IV. 
Lesson XXXV. Events Succeeding the Scripture Narrative. Twelfth 

Study, V. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



FIRST STUDY. 

ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK OF ACTS. 

In these studies we first make an analysis of the Book of 
Acts and take a general preview of the whole book before 
making a detailed examination of its several parts. In this 
way we may hope to come to a better understanding of the 
relations which the several parts sustain to each other. 

The Book of Acts may be naturally divided, according to 
the subjects treated, into four portions of greatly differing 
lengths. 

I. The Introduction and Dedication, which is con- 
tained in the first three verses of the first chapter. Here the 
writer dedicates this volume to Theophilus, the -same 
person to whom, two or three years before this, he had dedi- 
cated his story of Christ's life in the third gospel. 

Who Theophilus may have been is uncertain. The Greek 
word ^''theophilus " means a lover of God, and some scholars 
have inferred that a character rather than a person is meant, 
and that all lovers of God have a right to consider Luke's 
writings as addressed to them. 

It seems most probable, however, that Theophilus was a 
well-known person. The honorable epithet (Luke i. 3) and 
the explanation of the distance of Olivet from Jerusalem 
(Acts I. 12) imply personality, and it is reasonable to believe 
that he was a Christian convert at Rome and known to both 



14 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



Paul and Luke there.* The writer in his brief introduction 
refers to his previous volume, and intimates that the Book 
of Acts is a continuation of the same general theme, namely, 
the founding and growth of Christianity in the earth. 

The body of the work has been divided according to the 
suggestions in our Lord's words (Acts i. 8) into three general 
heads, representing three distinctly marked phases of the 
growth and establishment of Christ's Church in the earth, 
namely: 

1. The Pentecostal Church. 

2. The Transitional Church. 

3. The Church among the Gentiles. 

We will look at these in order. 

11. The Pentecostal Church is described in Acts i. 4 
to 6. 8. 

The typical leader during this period is the apostle 

Peter, who from seniority and a forward, impulsive temper- 
ament, naturally assumed the leadership of his fellow-apos- 
tles and the infant Church. 

The typical city is Jerusalem, since all the events of 
this period occur in and around this city. 

The principal subdivisions are : 

1. The Preparation for Pentecost. Acts i. 4-26. 

2. Event of the Pentecost. Acts 2. 1-47. 

3. The Pentecostal Church Developing in Miraculous 
Power and Endurance of Persecution. Acts 3. i to 4. 37. 

4. The Pentecostal Church Manifesting Penal Power. 
Acts 5. 1-16. 

5. The Pentecostal Church again under Persecution. Acts 
5- 17-42. 

6. The Pentecostal Church Forming its Economy. Acts 
6. 1-8. 



* McClintock and Strong's Cyclopcedia^ vol. x, p. 334. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



15 



III. The Transitional Church is set forth in Acts 6. 
9 to 15. 34. 

Though there are several leaders for this period we select 
as the typical character, Philip the evangelist, one of 

the seven deacons and one of the first to carry the Gospel 
beyond the bounds of Judea. 

The typical city is Antioch in Syria, which became 
the seat of a Christian church, and ultimately a great center 
of missionary effort. 

This portion of the Book of Acts is devoted largely to 
setting forth the great truth that Christianity is not 
merely an ethnic religion, designed for the Jews only, 
but it is cosmopolitan in its nature and design, ''a light to 
lighten the Gentiles " as well as the true glory of Israel. 

The struggles with Jewish narrowness and ex- 
clusiveness are graphically portrayed, and we are shown 
the rapid spread of Christianity among the Gentiles, and at 
last the full recognition of Gentile Christianity by the mother 
Church at Jerusalem — a recognition which admits the right 
of a Gentile to become a Christian without first becoming a 
proselyte to Judaism. 

The subdivisions are : 

1. The Pentecostal Church Dispersed. Acts 6. 9 to 8. 4. 

2. Philip Evangelizing Samaria. Acts 8. 5-25. 

3. The New Apostle to the Gentiles Called. Acts 9. 1-30. 

4. The Gospel among the Gentiles. Acts 9. 31 to 11. 30. 

5. Desolation of Jerusalem Church. Acts 12. 1-25. 

6. Paul's First Missionary Journey. Acts 13. i to 14. 28. 

7. The Council at Jerusalem. Acts 15. 1-34. 

IV. The story of the Church as established among 
the Gentiles occupies the remainder of the book. Acts 
15. 35 to 28. s- 

In this portion of the sacred history Paul is the great 
leader and the true typical character. 



i6 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



He was called to be the apostle to the Gentiles. By 

his great missionary journeys especially he carried the Gospel 
into the regions beyond, and planted new churches in west- 
ern Asia and eastern Europe, while in his epistles he formu- 
lated a body of Christian doctrine which has been a standard 
for the Church in all ages. 

The typical city for this period is imperial Rome. 
Here the Gospel becomes so firmly established that not even 
the fierce persecutions of Nero and succeeding pagan em- 
perors can destroy it, but the blood of the martyrs proves 
the seed of the Church, until within three hundred years 
paganism is conquered and Christianity is acknowledged by 
the Emperor Constantine. 

The subdivisions of this period are : 

1. Paul's Second Missionary Journey. Acts 15. 35 to i8. 22. 

2. Paul's Third Missionary Journey. Acts 18. 23 to 21. 17 

3. Paul in Council with James. Acts 21. 18-25. 

4. Paul's Arrest at Jerusalem. Acts 21. 26 to 23. 35. 

5. Paul at Csesarea. Acts 24. i to 26. 32. 

6. Paul at Rome. Acts 27. i to 28. 31. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



Analysis of the Book of Acts. 
I. I. & D. To Th. Ref. to G. Purpose. Acts i. 1-3. 
11. P. Ch. Lr. P. Cty. J. Acts i. 4 to 6. 8. 

Sub. I. P. for P. 2. E. of P. 3. P. C. D. 4. P. Ch. P. P. 
5. P. Ch. P. 6. P. Ch. E. 

III. Tr. Ch. Lr. Ph. Ciy. A. Acts 6. 9 to 15. 34. 

Sub. I. P. Ch. Dis. 2. Ph. Evg. 3. New A. to G. 4. G. 
am Gent. 5. Des. J. Ch. 6. P. ist Miss. J. 7. C. at J. 

IV. Ch. am. Gen. Lr. PI. Jour. andEp. Cty. Imp. R. Acts 15. 

35 to 28. 31. 

Sub. I. P. 2d M. J. 2. P. 3d M. J. 3. P. in C. with J. 4. P. 
Ar. at J. 5. P. at C. 6. P. at R. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



17 



QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. 

How many general divisions of the Book of Acts may naturally be 
made ? 

What is the basis of these divisions ? 

What is the twofold topic of the first division ? 

What portion of the Book of Acts does it include? 

What is the topic of the second division? 

Give the principal subdivisions. 

How much of the Book of Acts is included ? 

Who was the typical leader i 

What was the typical city ? 

What topic is treated in the third division ? 

What are the subdivisions? 

Who was the typical character ? 

What was the typical city ? 

What portion of Acts is devoted to this division ? 
Give the general topic of the fourth division. 
Wliat are the subdivisions ? 
Who was the typical leader ? 
What was the typical city ? 
What part of Acts is included in this division? 
2 



i8 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



SECOND STUDY. 

INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF ACTS. 

The opening sentences (Acts i. 1-3) form a brief but beauti- 
ful introduction, in the writer's own words, to the whole book. 
Seven things are suggested for our consideration, namely: 
Authorship, Authenticity, Date, Place, Relation to 
the Gospels, Close Connection with Third Gospel, 
and the General Scope of the Work. 

I. Authorship. The writer introduces himself at once 
as the author of the third gospel, a statement which is uni- 
versally accepted, and which is strikingly corroborated by 
the similarity of style in both works as admitted by the most 
eminent scholars. 

Of Luke we only know that he was a Christian physician 
(Col. 4. 14) who appears to have joined Paul and party at 
Troas, as there in his narrative he begins to use the first 
person plural and say " we " instead of " they " in describing 
the experiences of the journey (Acts 16. 10). He also was 
with Paul in his voyage to Rome (Acts 27. i), suffered ship- 
wreck with him on the island of Malta (Acts 28. 2), and 
accompanied him to Rome (Acts 28. 16); where he appears 
to have continued with him during his two years' imprison- 
ment there (Acts 28. 30, 31). We have also the great apos- 
tle's testimony that this faithful friend was loyal to the very 
end (2 Tim. 4. 11). 

It is not improbable that Luke was a physician residing 
at Troas, converted through Paul's preaching, and attaching 
himself to the apostle with all the ardor of a young convert.* 



*McClintock and Strong's Cydopcedia^ vol. v., p. 550. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



19 



II. Authenticity. The Book of Acts has held its place 
in the canon of Holy Scripture unchallenged from the very 
first; indeed, the Syriac version, made before the canon was 
completed, contains the Book of Acts ascribed to Luke, and 
in its present location. 

Early writers among the Christian fathers also place it 
among the books that were never disputed by the Church. 

It is connected with Paul's epistles by striking and unde- 
signed evidences, such as are indicated in Acts 18. 3 and 
I Cor. 4. 12; Acts 18. 9, 10, and i Cor. 2. 3; Acts 28. 30, 31, 
and Phil. i. 12-14. 

Its geographical and historical references and allusions 
are confirmed as accurate by historic coins and medals. 
Says Dr. Whedon, " The narrative of Paul's shipwreck has 
been minutely examined by modern science, and all its de- 
tails have been found completely true to nature and the sea- 
manship of the Mediterranean of Paul's day." 

III. Date. It is confessedly impossible to fix the exact 
date when this book was written. As the author gives a 
detailed account of Paul's life and labors until the close of 
the second year of the apostle's imprisonment in Rome it 
could not well have been completed at an earlier date, and 
as he makes no mention of his martyrdom it is generally be- 
lieved to have been finished before that event, and it is ex- 
tremely improbable that it would have been written after the 
overthrow of Jerusalem without some reference to that great 
catastrophe. The date is therefore probably somewhere 
between A. D. 63 and 66. 

IV. Place. Modern scholars with great unanimity de- 
cide that the Book of Acts was written at Rome, where Luke 
appears to have resided for several years. 

V. Relation to the Gospels. This book is supple- 
mental to the Four Gospels. Like them it is historical 
in character, and being a continuation of the same history 



20 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



of the kingdom of Christ on the earth it stands in its 
proper place in the sacred canon. It takes up the story of 
Christianity where the evangelists leave it, and carries it on 
from the ascension of Christ to the close of the second year 
of Paul's imprisonment in Rome. 

VI. Close Connection with Luke's Gospel. The 

Book of Acts is intimately related to all the gospels, but it 
is most closely connected with the third. This we would 
naturally expect since both works are from the pen of the 
same author and both addressed to the same person. Luke 
I. 3 and Acts i. i. 

Some scholars consider the two books as two parts of one 
great work — a history of early Christianity — the former part 
treating of the inauguration of Christianity by its divine 
Founder; the second part describing its growth, establish- 
ment, and extension in the earth under the labors of divinely 
appointed agents. 

Luke's gospel, as he declares in this introduction, describes 
w^hat Jesus began to do, in person, in founding his 
Church ; this book declares what he continued to do 
through his apostles and their coadjutors. Again the two 
works overlap each other, each containing a detailed account 
of the ascension of Christ. Luke 24. 50, 51 ; Acts i. 9-1 1. 
The closest connection, therefore, exists between the two 
books. 

VII. General Scope. This history covers a period of 
about thirty-six years — from the ascension of Christ to the 
close of the second year of Paul's imprisonment in Rome. 
During this period four different emperors sat on the throne 
of the Roman empire, namely, Tiberius, Caligula, 
Claudius, and Nero. The great theme of the book is 
the establishment, growth, and extension of that kingdom of 
heaven among men which Jesus, the Christ, came to set up 
on the earth. However, it must not be forgotten that the 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



21 



Book of Acts is not a full history of early Christianity, 
neither is it a complete life of the apostle Paul, but seems 
designed to set forth the steps "whereby the Christian 
Church grew from a little body of Jewish disciples in and 
about the city of Jerusalem to a Church for all the nations 
and all the world. Therefore it beg:ins at Jerusalem and 
ends at Rome, the capital of the world." 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



Introduction to the Book of Acts. | 

Seven things: Authp., Authty., Da., PL, Rel. to Gosp., Con. with j 
3d Gosp., Gen. Sc. 
I. Authp. Lu. 

11. Authty. Syr. Ver. Earl. Wr. PL's Epist. Geog. and Hist. 
HI. Da. 
IV. PI. Eo. 
V. Rel. to Gosp. SuppL 
VI. Con. with 3d Gosp. Auth. Beg. and Cont. Asc. 
VII. Gen. Sc. 36 Yrs. 4 Emps. Theme. 



QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. 

What seven things are suggested for consideration ? 

How does the writer introduce himself? 

Why is Luke believed to have joined Paul at Troas ? 

Give some proofs of the authenticity of Acts? 

What is the probable date ? 

Where was this book written ? 

What is its relation to the gospels ? 

What part of the story of Christianity does it describe? 
How is the close relation of Acts to the third gospel shown ? 
Why would this naturally have been expected ? 
How long a period of time does tliis history cover? 
What four Roman emperors reigned during this time? 
Give the special scope and design of the book. 



22 



STUDIES vIN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



THIRD STUDY. 

PREPARATION FOR PENTECOST. 

Pentecost, with its wondrous effusion of the Holy Spirit, 
was the inaugural day of Christ's Church on the earth. For 
so great an event full preparation was most fitting. The 
four successive steps of this preparation are thus described 
by Luke: 

I. The Waiting at Jerusalem. 

To this they were incited by a positive command (Luke 24. 
49; Acts I. 4) and a most gracious promise (Acts i. 5, 8). 

II. The Ascension of Jesus. 

This is properly placed among the steps preparatory to the 
Holy Spirit's descent, for the Master had expressly declared the 

necessity of his departure 
from earth, that the Spirit 
might be given (John 16. 7); 
and after the event Peter 
had proclaimed to the as- 
sembled thousands that the 
wondrous spiritual miracle 
was the gift of the ascended 
Jesus (Acts 2. 32, 33). 

In connection with the 
ascension we note three 
things: 

I. The place, which was 
just over the summit of the 
Mount of Olives, near the village of Bethany, about one 
mile from Jerusalem. Luke 24. 50; Acts i. 12. 




STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



23 



2. The witnesses. These were the eleven faithful 
apostles, who, since the resurrection of Jesus became an 
assured fact, had continued together, and for forty days had 
been favored with frequent interviews with their risen 
Lord. Luke 24. 31, 34; John 20. 19, 26; 21. 4-13; i Cor. 
15.3-8. 

That they were expecting some marvelous manifestation 
of his power and glory at this time is clear from the question 
asked. Acts i. 6. 

3. The manner is simply but graphically sketched by 
Luke in the two accounts which he has given of this great 
event. We learn from the gospel (Luke 24. 50, 51) that it 
was while Jesus stood with uplifted hands in the very act of 
blessing his disciples that he was parted from them ; and 
the account in Acts that as he ascended a bright cloud re- 
ceived him out of their sight, and a vision of angels was seen, 
who declared to them the certainty of Christ's return in 
like manner as they had seen him go into heaven (Acts i. 
10, 11). Note we are wholly dependent upon the writings of 
Luke for all description of the ascension. 

III. The Prolonged Prayer Service. 

1. The place was an "upper room" to which the apos- 
tles repaired on their return from 
the scene of the ascension. Acts 
I. 13. Tradition holds that it was 
the same room where the last Pass- 
over feast had been celebrated with 
their Lord, and the sacrament of 
the Lord's Supper had been in- 
stituted. Matt 26. 17-29; Mark 
14. 12-26 ; Luke 22. 7-20. 

2. The persons present were 
the eleven apostles (Acts i. 13), 
" with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his 




"falle;, of Binn<an, 



24 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



brethren; " one hundred and twenty in all (Acts i. 14, 15 ; 
Matt. 13. 55). 

3. The time. For ten days from the ascension, which 
was forty days after the resurrection (Acts i. 3), until the Day 
of Pentecost, which was fifty days after the Passover (Lev. 
23. 15, 16), this prayerful waiting continued according to the 
Lord's command. 

IV. The Recompletion of the Apostolic Number. 

In the midst of these days of united prayer Peter arose 
and stated the necessity that someone of their number should 
be appointed to take the place of the fallen and deceased 
traitor, Judas. The sad fate of the apostate is described 
parenthetically in Acts i. 18, 19. See also Matt. 27. 5-8. 
Among the indispensable qualifications for the apostolate 
was the necessity for personal companionship with Jesus 
and the apostles from the time of John's baptism until 
the ascension, and the reason for this was that the newly 
elected apostle might be able to bear witness with the 
other apostles to the identity of the risen Christ. Acts 
I. 21, 22. 

They accordingly nominated two of their number (Acts i. 
23) after earnest prayer for divine direction (Acts i. 24). 
They then sought the divine decision by means of the lot. 
Acts T. 26; Lev. 16, 8, 9; Prov. 16. 33. The probable 
method of submitting this matter to lot was as follows: The 
names of the two candidates were placed in an urn; in 
another urn were two ballots with the word "apostle" in- 
scribed upon one, the other blank. One person took a name 
from the first urn, at the same time another person drew a 
ballot from the other urn, and the result decided the matter. 
The apostolic college was once more complete and the pray- 
ing and waiting went on until the Day of Pentecost was fully 
come and " the promise of the Father " descended upon the 
waiting company. Acts 2. i, 2. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



25 



BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



Preparation for Pentecost. 

I. Wtg. at J. I. Pos. Com. 2. Gra. Prom. 
XL Asc. ofj. I. PI. 2. Ws. 3. Man. 

III. Pro. Pr. Serv. i. PI. 2. Per. 3. Ti. 

IV. Re. Ap. No. Nec. Meth. Pers. 



QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. 

Mention the four steps of preparation for the Pentecost. 
How were the apostles incited to wait at Jerusalem? 
Why was the ascension one of the necessary steps ? 
What three things are noted in connection with the ascension ? 
How many interviews had the disciples with Jesus after his resurrection ? 
In what act was Jesus engaged at tlie time of his ascension ? 
How many descriptions of this event are given in the Bible, and by 
whom ? 

Who were present at the " Prolonged Prayer Service ?" 
What is the meaning of the word Pentecost ? 

Why was it necessary that an apostle should be elected in Judas's place ? 
What were the human and what the divine elements in that election ? 
What scriptural authority is there for seeking to ascertain God's will 
by the lot ? 



26 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



FOURTH STUDY. 

THE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH. 

Part First. 

The Pentecostal Church was the mother, and in its 
spirituality the type, of all succeeding churches of Jesus 
Christ. We notice in order : 

I. Time. The period of the Pentecostal Church begins 
with the events of the Day of Pentecost, A. D. 30, which was 
ten days after the ascension and fifty days after the resur- 
rection of our Lord. It ends with the choosing of the seven, 
A. D. 35, thus covering the first five years in the history of 
the Church. 

II. Place. As far as we can learn from the Book of 
Acts, which is our only authority, the activity of the Church 
during these five years was limited to the City of Jerusalem 
and its immediate vicinity. See Acts i. 4; 12, 13, We read 

as yet of no churches founded in Galilee or Samaria, or even 
in parts of Judea remote from the capital, notwithstanding 
the command in Acts i. 8. 

III. Environment. The ecclesiastical surround- 
ings of the Pentecostal Church are purely Jewish. The 
collisions are wholly with the Jewish hierarchy, and the per- 
secutions are by the rulers of the Jews. See Acts 4. 1-3 ; 
5- 17, 18. 

The political power is that of the Roman empire, of 
which Judea formed a province, but the Roman magistrates 
seem to have given no attention to what they doubtless con- 
sidered only petty quarrels between rival sects of the Jews. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



27 



Even the lynching of Stephen by an infuriated Jewish mob 
seems to have been passed over without notice. 

Part Second. 

IV. Events. The principal events in the history of the 
Pentecostal Church were the following : 

1. The descent of the Holy Spirit. This took place 
on the Day of Pentecost, A. D. 30. Note the conditions 
(Acts 2. i) and the results of His coming (Acts 2. 2-4). 
This was the needed preparation of the Church for her great 
work. Acts I. 8. 

2. The preaching of Peter. Through a series of ad- 
dresses by the apostle Peter the attention of the people was 
awakened and multitudes were won to the new faith. 

His first address. Acts 2. 14-36. 
His second address. Acts 3. 11-26. 
His third address. Acts 4. 5-12. 

Note the place and subject of each of these addresses. 

3. The apostolic miracles. The institution of the 
Church was attended with miraculous manifestations : A mir- 
acle on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2. 4-6) ; a miracle of 
healing (Acts 3. 1-8) ; a miracle of punishment (Acts 5. 
i-io); many miracles (Acts 5. 12-16); a miracle of deliv- 
erance (Acts 5. 17-20). 

The design of these miracles may have been : 

(i.) To attract attention to the Gospel. Acts 3. 8-10. 

(2.) To attest the divine. Acts 4. 13, 14. 

(3.) To serve as the apostles' credentials. John 3. 2. 

(4.) To show through the natural world the laws of the 
spiritual world ; that is, in the healing of the body a picture 
of salvation to the soul. 

4. The apostles persecuted. The preaching of a 
risen Christ soon aroused the enmity of the Jewish rulers, 
who had so recently crucified the Saviour. Note that the 
persecuting faction in the council belonged to the sect 



28 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



which denied any resurrection. Acts 4. i ; 5. 17; 23.8. 
Three times the apostles were arrested and treated with in- 
creasing severity. 

The first arrest. Acts 4. 3, 18, 21. 

The second arrest. Acts 5. 17-19. 

The third arrest. Acts 5. 26, 33, 40. 

But the persecution only increased the popular interest 
and aided the growth of the Church. Acts 6. 7. 

5. The choosing of the seven. The first dissension in 
the Church arose over the administration of its finances. 
Acts 6. I. How the evil was corrected. Acts 6. 2-4. The 
character of the men chosen for the secular work of the 
Church. Acts 6. 3. The names of the seven suggest that 
they belonged to the Grecian or Hellenistic wing of the 
Jewish race, and show the generous spirit of the early Church 
in placing this trust wholly in the hands of the aggrieved 
party. 

The title " deacons" is nowhere given to these men (note 
Acts 21. 8), but has been inferred from the use of the Greek 
word diakonia^ " ministration," in Acts 6. i. 

Part Third. 

V. Leadership. It is evident that during this period 
the apostle Peter was the leader of the Church. On every 
occasion Peter comes to the front as the most prominent and 
powerful personality among the believers. He is named first 
in the list of apostles. Acts i. 13. 

He directs the counsels of the Church. Acts i. 15. 

He speaks in behalf of the Church, both before the people 
(Acts 2. 14) and before the council (Acts 4. 8). 

He rebukes sin in the Church. Acts 5. 3, 8, 9. 

It may be inferred that Peter's position was the result of 
his character, and not from any primary authority over his 
fellow-apostles. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



29 



VI. Membership. The Church in this period consisted 
of Jews who accepted Jesus as the Messiah of Israel. Acts 
2. 36. 

The number of the first disciples. Acts i. 15. 
The number ten days afterward. Acts 2. 14. 
A further growth. Acts 4. 4. 

The condition of the Church at the close of this period. 
Acts 6. 7. 

The creed. Acts 5. 30, 31. 

The conditions of membership. Acts 2. 38. 

From Acts 6. i, 5, we find three branches of Judaism were 
represented in the Pentecostal Church: 

1. Hebrews, or Jews of Palestine. 

2. Grecians, or Hellenists, Jews of foreign birth, speaking 
the Greek language. 

3. Proselytes, or Gentiles who had embraced the Jewish 
faith and received circumcision. As yet no Gentiles had 
been received into the Christian Church directly from 
heathenism. 

Part Fourth. 

VII. Government. The Pentecostal Church possessed 
but little organization. 

The apostles at first directed all its affairs, both spiritual 
and secular. Acts 2. 42 ; 4. 34, 35. Their names. Acts i. 
13. Notice that in the choice of a new apostle to fill the 
vacancy left by the fall of Judas, all the members of the in- 
fant Church participated. Acts i. 15, 23-26. With the 
growth of the Church secular interests required attention, 
and other officers were chosen. Acts 6. 1-5. Notice again 
the part taken by the membership in the selection of the 
seven. Acts 6. 3-6. 

VIII. Institutions. The believers in Christ thus far 
were worshiping Jews, regularly attending the services of 
the temple (Acts 3. i), and those of the synagogue (Acts 6. 9). 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



We find, however, some distinctively Christian ordinances 
and institutions among them. They had a place of meet- 
ing for the Church. Acts i. 13; 4. 23. 

Baptism was administered. Acts 2. 38, 41. 

The Lord's Supper was observed. Acts 2. 42. 

They received instruction. Acts 2. 42. 

For a brief period there was a voluntary community of 
property, each contributing to the needs of others. Acts 2. 
44, 45 ; 4. 32-35. A special instance of liberality. Acts 4. 
36, 37. But this communism, though voluntary, seems to 
have wrought evil, hypocrisy, and dissension in the Church 
(Acts 5. I, 2; 6. i), and was soon abandoned. 

IX. Doctrinal Teachings. The earliest Christianity 
was a spirit rather than a creed, practical rather than dog- 
matic; hence we find few doctrines stated, and all of them 
having Jesus Christ as their center. The principal truth 
preached was that of the Messiahship of Jesus, and the conse- 
quent duty of faith in him. Acts 2. 36; 3. 26; 4. 12. Special 
emphasis was laid on the resurrection of Christ. Acts i. 22; 
2. 24; 3. 15; 4. 2, 10, 33. His divine nature and authority. 
Acts 2. 33; 3. 13, 26; 5. 31. His second coming was also 
declared. Acts 3. 19-21. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



The Pentecostal Church. 

Part I. Time. D. of P. 30. to Chg. Sev. 35. Place. J. and Vic. 

Env. Ec. J. Pol. Rom. 
Part II. Evts. D. of S. P. of P. A. Mir. A. Per. dig. Sev. 
Part III. Lr. P. 1st in L. of A. Directs C. C. Speaks B. C. 

Char. Mem. J. ac. J. No. Dis. Crd. Cond. Mem. H., 

G., and P. 

Part IV. Gov. Lit. O. A. Direct. Pop. Elec. Inst. Mtg. 
Bapt. L. Sup. Instr. Vol. Com. Doc. J. Cent. _ Mess. J. 
Res. J. Dir. N. and A. 2d Comg. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



31 



QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. 

What was the bii'thday of the Christian Church ? 

How many years in the history of the Pentecostal Church? 

What is our authority for the early history of the Church ? 

In what city was the Cliurch first established ? 

State the two phases of its environment. 

Give the five important events of this period. 

Mention the principal miracles. 

What was the purpose of these miracles ? 

How many times were the apostles arrested ? 

What caused the choosing of the seven ? 

Give the names of the seven. 

Who was the leader of the Pentecostal Church ? 

What was the cause of his power ? 

To what race did the members of the Church belong ? 

What were the conditions of membership? 

What three branches of Judaism were represented? 

Who first directed the affairs of the Church? 

Give some instances of popular elections. 

What Jewish services did the early Church attend ? 

What Christian ordinances did they maintain ? 

What communism do we find ? 

What was the central truth of the apostles' teaching? 
What doctrines concerning Jesus were emphasized ? 



32 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



FIFTH STUDY. 

THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION. 
Part First. 

We have seen that during the first five years of the 
Christian Church it was entirely Jewish in its membership. 
But the Gospel soon came to the notice of Gentiles, or non- 
Jewish people, among whom were many sincere seekers after 
God. These eagerly embraced the truth of salvation by 
faith in Christ without the regulations of the Jewish law, and 
for fifteen years the question whether they could be received 
into the Church without the Jewish requirement of circum- 
cision Avas the burning question among the followers of 
Christ. 

Two parties arose — one demanding that all believing 
Gentiles should become Jews, and only as Jews should they 
be received into the Church ; the other urging that Jews and 
Gentiles should be recognized as believers in Christ upon 
the same terms. The question was finally settled by the 
apostles and Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, 
in the decision that Jews and Gentiles were saved upon the 
same condition of faith in Christ, and were equal in their 
privileges as members of the Church. Thus for fifteen years 
we observe the Church in transition from a Jewish to a 
Gentile institution. 

I. Time. This period begins with the choosing of the 
seven, A. D. 35, and ends with the Council at Jerusalem, 

A. D. 50, thus embracing fifteen years. 

II. Place. In this period we find the Church occupying 
an ever-widening field. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



33 



1. The Gospel, which hitherto had 
been limited to Jerusalem, was now 
rapidly preached and planted through- 
out all Palestine. Notice churches 
in three provinces. Acts 8. 5, 25; 
9. 31. Special places referred to 
during this period. Acts 8. 40 ; 
9-32, 38. 

2. The next step was the planting 
of the Church in the lands adjoining 
Palestine, the great province of Syria, 
with its great cities of Damascus 
and Antioch, and the adjacent island of Cyprus. Acts 
9. 19 ; II. 19-21. 

3. The third step was the preaching of the Gospel through- 
out all the lands and islands of Asia Minor. Acts 13. 5, 6, 

i3» 15 ; 14- I, 6. 

Thus in fifteen years the Church had extended from Jeru- 
salem to Asia Minor, and from Jews to ajl nations. 

Part Second. 

III. Events. Every important event of this period was 
a step in the progress of the Church from narrow Judaism to 
a world-wide Christianity. 

I. The preaching of Stephen. Acts 6. 8 to 7. 60. It is 
evident that Stephen was the earliest leader in the move- 
ment toward a larger Gospel. His preaching began among 
the Hellenistic or Grecian Jews, to whom he undoubtedly 
belonged. Acts 6. 9. The charges against him indicate that 
he advocated an enlargement of Jewish thought. Acts 6. 
11-14. His discourse, the longest in the New Testament 
(except the Sermon on the Mount), though unfinished, shows 
a purpose in the same direction. Acts 7. 1-53. In spirit and 
teaching Stephen was the forerunner of Paul. Acts 7. 58. 
3 




34 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 




2. The persecution by Saul. Acts 8. 1-4. This was 

an important link in the chain of events, for thereby the 
Church at Jerusalem, which seemed to have forgotten the 
Lord's command (Acts i. 8), was scattered through Palestine 
and surrounding regions, and the seed of truth was sown 
everywhere to grow up quickly into churches (Acts 8. 1-4). 

3. The preaching of Philip. Acts 8. 5-40. Notice 
that now for the first time a people outside of the pale of the 
Jewish Church are addressed. Acts 8. 5. Notice, too, their 
readiness to receive the Gospel. Acts. 8. 12. See an earnest 
seeker described. Acts 8. 27-30. A missionary tour along 
the coast of Palestine. Acts 8. 40. 

4. The conversion of Saul. Acts 9. 1-22. This was 
a great event, for in due time it gave to the cause a mighty 
leader. Acts 8. 15. Nor was it as sudden as it seemed, for 
note Acts 9. 5, last clause. The hatred of the Jews toward 
the new convert is easily explained by the view that Saul at 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



35 



once embraced and preached the principles of a Gospel for 
all men. Acts 9. 23, 24. See also Gal. i. 11, 12, 15, 16. 

5. The conversion of Cornelius. Acts 10. i-n, 18. 
Notice several important points : 

(i.) His character as a sincere seeker after God. Acts 10. 
2, 22. 

(2.) Peter's preparation for the innovation. Acts 10. 9-16. 
(3.) Peter's discourse, showing enlarged views. Acts 10. 
34-43- 

(4.) The baptism of Pentecost falling upon Gentiles. Acts 
10. 44, 45. 

(5.) Gentiles baptized by an apostle. Acts 10. 47, 48. 
(6.) The effect upon the Church. Acts 11. 18. 

6. The Church at Antioch. 

7. The First Missionary Journey. 

8. The Council at Jerusalem. 

(These last three events will be fully treated in succeeding 
studies.) 

Part Third. 

IV. Leadership. In this period we recognize six men as 
the leaders of the Church. 

1. Stephen, the first martyr, was also the first to point 
the way toward the preaching of Christ to the Gentiles. His 
character is indicated, Acts 6. 5. His appearance before 
the council, Acts 6. 15. His vision. Acts 7. 55, 56. His 
murderers, Acts 7. 58. His dying prayer. Acts 7. 59, 60. 

2. Philip took up Stephen's work and carried the Gospel 
to the Samaritans, Acts 8. 5. His title is given, Acts 21. 8. 
In Acts 8. 26-40 we find the characteristics of a worker for 
Christ : 

(i.) A spiritual man. Verse 29. 
(2.) An obedient worker. Verse 30. 
(3.) A skillful worker. Verse 30. 
(4.) A scriptural worker. Verse 35. 



36 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



3. Peter was the first of the apostles to perceive that Jews 
and Gentiles stood equal before God in the purpose of salva- 
tion. Acts 10. 34, 35 ; 15. 7-9. 

4. Barnabas was a liberal-minded worker, who aided in 
leading the Church through the period of transition. His 
character is given in Acts 11. 24. His services on seven 
occasions: (i.) Acts 4. 36, 37; (2.) 9. 26, 27; (3.) 11. 22, 23; 
(4.) II. 25, 26 ; (5.) II. 29, 30 ; (6.) 13. 2, 3 ; (7.) 15. 2, 12. 

5. James was recognized as the bishop or leader of the 
Church in Jerusalem. First named in Acts 12. 17, His re- 
lationship, Gal. I. 19. His place among the apostles, Gal. 2. 
9. His part in the council, Acts 15. 13. 

6. Saul comes to the front near the close of this epoch. 
His character and career will be treated in subsequent 
studies. 

V. Membership. During this period we trace several 
distinct elements in the membership of the Church. 

1. At the opening of the period all are Jews, and these 
continued to form a large proportion of the membership, 
both in Palestine and throughout other lands. Some of these 
were narrow in their views, and demanded that believing 
Gentiles should become Jews by circumcision. Acts 15. i, 5. 

2. Next to the Jews, though not of them, were the Samar- 
itans, among whom churches were early planted (Acts 8. 5), 
and were recognized by the apostles (x\cts 8. 14, 25). 

3. Midway between Jews and Gentiles were proselytes, or 
Gentiles who had adopted Jewish views, renounced idolatry, 
and worshiped Jehovah. These were of two classes: (i.) 
Proselytes of righteousness, who had been formally re- 
ceived into the Jewish Church through the rite of circum- 
cision, as Nicolas, Acts 6. 5. (2.) Proselytes of the 
gate, that is, worshipers standing outside of the Jewish 
pale, as Cornelius, Acts 10. i, and Sergius, Acts 13. 7-12. 
See also Acts 13. 42. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



37 



4. But beyond all these we find in the Church, especially 
toward the close of this period, an increasing number of 
Gentiles, or people who passed at a step from heathenism 
into Christianity. See Acts 13. 48; 15. 27. These were 
destined soon to become the vast majority and to wield a 
controlling influence in the Church. 

Part Fourth. 

VI. Government. As the Church increased in numbers 
and in extent more organization became necessary, and we 
find reference made to some new officers. 

1. The apostles are still mentioned as a body having 
general supervision over the Church. Acts 8. 14; 9. 26. 
See also Gal. i. 17-19 ; 2. 9, which refer to this period. We 
notice that some others, not of the original twelve, are called 
apostles. Acts 14. 14 ; Gal. i. 19. 

2. The elders are now, as a governing element, generally 
associated with the apostles. Notice that in Acts 11. i we 
read "apostles and brethren;" in Acts 11. 30 we find 
"elders" for the first time mentioned; again in Acts 14. 23, 
among the Gentile churches ; and in Acts 15. 4,6, 22, we read 
" apostles and elders." The office of elder was probably 
taken from the organization of the synagogue, which was 
closely followed by the early Church. " The seven " 
(deacons?) are not mentioned as a distinct body during this 
period, and were probably not continued in the Church. 

VII. Institutions. We find also allusions to certain in- 
stitutions in the Church at this time. 

1. Baptism is frequently mentioned as the rite of entrance 
into the Church. Acts 8. 12, 13; 36-38; 9. 18; 10.47,48. 

2. The laying on of hands, either in confirmation or in 
ordination, is mentioned in Acts 8. 17; 13. 3. The allusion 
in Acts 14, 23 seems to indicate a form of election, as the 
Greek word means "to appoint by a show of hands." 



38 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



3. Prophets are mentioned in the Church of this period 
(11. 27 ; 13. I ; 15. 32). Instances of prediction are given, 
but the word means "one who speaks by divine inspiration," 
a forth-teller rather than a foreteller. 

4. It has been noticed that the word Church itself, with 
reference to the body of believers in Christ, appears for the 
first time in this epoch. Acts 8. i. Also Acts 9. 31; 11. 26; 
14. 33, with reference to various localities. This shows a 
gradual tendency toward organization and unity in the work. 
In Acts 9 may be found five different words employed to 
designate the followers of Christ, all of which are suggestive. 

VIII. Doctrinal Teaching. For a knowledge of the 
doctrines taught during this period we must study three dis- 
courses which were delivered at this time. 

1. Stephen's address before the Jewish council. Acts 7. 
2-53. This must be regarded as incomplete, scarcely more 
than the introduction having been given when it was inter- 
rupted by the rage of his hearers. Acts 7. 54. From it little 
can be obtained in the way of doctrinal teaching, except by 
inference. 

2. Peter's discourse at Ccesarea. Acts 10. 34-43. 

3. Paul's discourse in the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia. 
Acts 14. 16-41. 

In these two latter discourses there is a similarity of 
structure. 

(i.) Both make reference to the Old Testament. 

(2.) Both cite the facts of Christ's life. 

(3.) Both make mention of his death on the cross. 

(4.) Both lay emphasis on his resurrection and its evidences. 

(5.) Both speak of the forgiveness of sins through Christ. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



39 



BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



The Church in Transition. 

Part First. I. Ti. 35-50. II. Pi. i. Pal. 2. Syr. 3. A. M. 
Part Second. III. Evts. i. Pr. of St. 2. Per. by S. 3. Pr. of 

Ph. 4. Con. of S. 5. Con of C. 6. Ch. at A. 7. ist Miss. 

J. 8. CI. at J. 

Part Third. IV. Lrs. I. St. 2. Ph. 3. Pet. 4. Bar. 5. Jas. 6. S. 

V. Mem. I. Js. 2. Sam. 3. Pros. 4. Gent. 
Part Fourth. VI. Gov. i. Ap. 2. Eld. VII. Inst. i. Bap. 

2. Layg. Hds. 3. Pro. 4. Ch. VIII. Doc. i. St. Ad. 

2. Pet. Dis. 3. PI. Dis. 



QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. 
Who were the Gentiles? 

What question arose concerning their admission to the Church? 
How long was the period of " transition?" 
In what provinces of Palestine are chuixhes mentioned ? 
What places in Asia Minor were earliest visited by Christian missionaries? 
Give the eight important events of this period. 
Who was the earliest leader in this movement? 
How did the persecution by 9aul promote the spread of the Gospel ? 
Who was Philip, and where did he preach ? 
Why was the conversion of Saul an important event ? 
Who were the six leaders during the period of transition ? 
What four elements were included in the membership of the " Church 
in transition ? " 

What two classes of officers in the Church are mentioned during this 
period ? 

Give the four "institutions" named in the Church at this time. 



40 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



SIXTH STUDY. 

THE CHURCH ESTABLISHED AMONG THE 
GENTILES. 

The Church at Jerusalem was slow to attempt the spread 
of Christianity from that center. Notwithstanding the ex- 
press command of the Lord (Acts i. 8), no attempt seems to 
have been made to extend the Church even to Samaria until 
the Pentecostal Church was scattered by the persecution 
which began with the martyrdom of Stephen, some six years 
after the crucifixion of the Lord. Then we are told that 
those who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching 
the word (Acts 8. 4). 

L The Gospel Spreading Abroad. 

1. A specimen case is given in the work of Philip the 
evangelist in Samaria. Acts 8. 5-8. This man was one of 
the seven deacons, and it is quite noticeable that all this 
preaching by the scattered Church was done by the laity, the 
apostles remaining through all the storm at Jerusalem. 
Acts 8. T. 

2. Philip's successful labors in Samaria can hardly 
be said to have been carried on among genuine Gentiles, 
since the Samaritans, although not Jews, yet possessed the 
law of Moses, claimed to be his faithful followers, and lived 
in expectation of a coming Messiah. John 4. 24. 

3. The conversion of the Ethiopian treasurer (Acts 
8. 26-39), ^Iso through Philip's agency, was another step 
in extending the Gospel to the Gentiles. 

Others of the dispersed disciples, we are told (Acts 11. 19), 
preached the word in the island of Cyprus, and also in 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



41 



Phoenicia, on the mainland, and so on up the coast, past Tyre 
and Sidon, for three hundred miles, as far as Antioch, the 
proud capital of Syria. Still, in all these efforts they attempt 
the conversion of Jews and Jewish proselytes only. 

4. At last certain disciples, natives g( Cyprus and Cyrene, 
began to proclaim to the heathen Greeks of Antioch 
Jesus Christ as the Saviour of sinful men. The word was 
gladly received and speedily brought forth much fruit. 
Acts II. 20, 21. 

5. A typical case. A real instance and thoroughly typical 
case of the extension of Christianity to a Gentile is given in 
the conversion of Cornelius. Acts 10. 1-48. 

Cornelius was a typical Gentile. A Roman of illus- 
trious family name. A military officer with an important 
command. 

Evidently he was one who, like many intelligent heathen 
of that period, had become dissatisfied with " a creed out- 
worn," and was feeling after the true God with prayer and 
alms. 

To this typical Gentile was sent by divine direction the 
leader of the Pentecostal or Jewish Christian Church, Peter, 
who had been divinely prepared by vision, which greatly en- 
larged his spiritual vision and dispelled some of his old Jew- 
ish prejudices. 

He sees the hand of God so clearly in bringing them 
together, and the power of God so manifested by the Holy 
Spirit attending his presentation of the Gospel and falling 
upon the Gentile congregation assembled in the house of 
Cornelius, that he feels that Christian baptism, the initiatory 
rite, cannot be forbidden them, and he himself a leading 
apostle proceeds forthwith to administer it. 

Apostolic sanction was thus given to the admission of 
Gentiles directly to the Church without passing through the 
intermediate stage of Jewish proselytism (Acts 11. 17, 18), 



42 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



and the way opened tor the great work of Paul and Barnabas 
among the heathen. 

II. The Church Established at Antioch. 

I. About this time it would seem tliat tidings came to the 
ears of the Church at Jerusalem that the Gentiles in Antioch 





ANTIOCH IN SYRIA.. 



were turning to the Lord, and Barnabas was sent to ascer- 
tain the nature of the work and render such assistance as he 
might be able. Acts ii. 22-24. He saw, was convinced, 
and entered zealously into the work with the laborers already 
in the field^ 

Note the elements of a good worker : 

(i.) Activity. 

(2.) Character. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



43 



(3.) Faith. 

(4.) Divine anointing. 

Reinforcements. So greatly did the work develop that 
Barnabas felt the need of more laborers in gathering the 
spiritual harvest. Saul of Tarsus had been converted a few 
years before this time, turned aside from other fields of labor 
(Acts 9. 20-25, 29, 30), and marvelously prepared for just 
such work. Him Barnabas brought from Tarsus, and for a 
whole year the two toiled harmoniously and successfully 
together in Antioch building up what was by far the strongest 
Church in all early Christianity. 

2. The distinctive name of the followers of Christ was 
given here (Acts 11. 26), and though it was doubtless at the 
first intended as a name of reproach or contempt, it was 
accepted as significant of character, and has become the 
world-wide appellation for believers in Christ. 

Note the Church at Antioch was: 

(i.) A generous Church. Acts 11. 27-30. 

(2.) An aggressive, missionary Church. Acts 13. 1-4. 

(3.) The most prominent Church for the first few centuries. 

After the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, A. D. 70, 
Antioch became the center of Christendom, was known as 
*' Theopolis," the City of God, and in the days of Chrysostom 
is said to have contained one hundred thousand Christians. 
Thus the Christian Church became firmly established among 
the Gentiles, and from Antioch as a center was destined to 
spread abroad into all the earth. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



The Church Established among the Gentiles. 

I. Gosp. Spr. I. Ph. 2. Sam. 3. Eth. Tr. 4. Or. 5. Corn. 
(Apos. Sane.) 
II. Ch. Est. Ant. I. B. at A. 2. Dist. Na. 



44 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. 

What event promoted the spread of the Gospel ? 

Where did Philip preach the Gospel ? 

What was the religious condition of the Samaritans? 

In what places did the dispersed disciples preach ? 

Who first preached the word to the Greeks at Antioch ? 

Why was the conversion of Cornelius a typical case ? 

How did it involve apostolic sanction? 

Whom did the apostles send to aid the work in Antioch ? 

What elements of a good worker are presented by him ? 

Who came to his aid ? 

W^hat was the result of their joint labors ? 

Give three characteristics of the Church at Antioch. 

What position did this Church hold after the destruction of Jerusalem ? 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



45 



SEVENTH STUDY. 

PAUL'S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY. 

Preparation. The time had now fully come for the 
world-wide dissemination of Christianity. 

The Church had become firmly established as a base of 
aggressive operations. 

The heathen world, with its effete systems of idolatry, 
was ready for the Gospel — the fields were indeed " white unto 
the harvest." 

The laborers also had been prepared and fitted for the 
work. 

I. The First Missionary Meeting ever held by the 
Christian Church is described. Acts 13. 1-4. 

Notice, the action taken was under the immediate direc- 
tion of the Holy Spirit ; also among the list of possible can- 
didates for the work of foreign missions, the ones first and 
last named, Barnabas and Saul, are designated. 

II. The First Missionaries. 

1. Of Barnabas we know: 
(i.) His nativity. Acts 4. 36. 
(2.) His generosity. Acts 4. 37. 
(3.) His brotherliness. Acts 9. 27. 

(4.) His evangelistic spirit. Acts 11. 22-26. 

2. Saul, named last in the list at Antioch, and the second 
of the newly appointed missionaries, was soon to come to the 
very first place in the eyes of the Christian world and to hold 
that prominence forever. 

Divine providence and grace had given this man a four- 
fold fitness for great and wide and permanent usefulness. 



46 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



(i.) By birth and religious training he was a Jew 

(Phil. 3. 5), a Pharisee (Acts 23. 6), and thus he was well 
versed in the Old Testament Scriptures, and fitted to show 
that Christianity was no strange religion, but the natural and 
divine sequence to a genuine and scriptural Judaism. 

(2.) By education and mental training he was a 
Greek, and thus prepared to use the Greek language fluently 
and effectively, and cope with the alert Greek mind either 
among the populace of Antioch (Acts 11. 25, 26)j or the 
philosophers of Athens (Acts 17. 22-31). 

(3.) In citizenship he was a Roman, and so entitled to 
claim the protection of the Roman government wherever he 
went carrying the cosmopolitan Gospel throughout the broad 
extent of the Roman empire. Acts 16. 37 ; 22. 25. 

(4.) Divine grace had met this man on the way to 
Damascus and supplemented all his other qualifications with 
an experimental knowledge of Jesus Christ as a personal 
Saviour and a demonstration that he was the long-promised 
Messiah of the Jews and the Saviour of the world. Acts 26. 
22, 23 ; Gal. I. 15, 16. 

III. The Places Visited. We notice : 

1. Seleucia, the port whence they 
sailed. Acts 13. 4. 

2. The island of Cyprus, their 
first field of effort, and its two cities 
of Salamis and Paphos, in which 
they opened their commission. Acts 
13. 5, 6. Cyprus was already con- 
nected with the progress of the Gospel in various ways. It 
was the birthplace of Barnabas. Acts 4. 36. The scattered 
Jewish Christians had preached the word there. Acts 11. 19. 
Men of Cyprus had preached at Antioch. Acts 11. 20. 
There were also many Jews and Jewish synagogues in the 
island making it a promising field of labor. Acts 13. 5. 




STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



47 



Notice, Paphos was the place 
where, after the conversion of Ser- 
gius Paulus, the governor of the 
island, the Jewish name of the great 
apostle, Saul," is dropped, and as 
he goes in among the Gentiles he is . 
henceforth known by his Roman 
name "Paul." Acts 13. 9. 

3. Perga in Pamphylia ; where but a short sojourn is 
made, and Mark forsakes them. Acts 13. 13. 

4. Antioch in Pisidia. The visit to this place was 
marked by a memorable discourse by Paul, the only one of 
his missionary sermons on this tour of which we have any 
record. Acts 13. 16-41. 

Notice : The favorable reception at first. Acts 13. 15. 
The opposition of the Jews, Acts 13. 45. 

5. Iconium. Here the missionaries appear to have 
remained some time preaching in the synagogues and private 
houses, but the curious Jews stirred up the people and by 
threats drove them from the city. Acts 14. 5, 6. 

6. Lystra, This seems to have been a wholly heathen 
city, where a great miracle prompted the people to offer them 
idolatrous worship; but the Jewish persecutors followed from 
Antioch and Iconium, and Paul was stoned and left for 
dead. Acts 14. 19. 

7. Derbe, like Lystra, was a heathen city of Lycaonia, 
but here the Word was preached without opposition and with 
much success. Acts 14. 21. 

The return journey appears to have been made without 
encountering opposition. All of the cities of the outgoing 
trip, excepting those in the island of Cyprus, were revisited 
and churches were organized. Acts 14. 23. 

After an absence of some eighteen months the missionaries 
again reach the Syrian Antioch and gladly give account of 
their trials and triumphs. Acts 14. 26. 




48 STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 





Paul's F"irst Missionary 


Journey. 




I. 


1st Miss. Mtg. Prep. i. Ch. E. 


2- Idol. ef. 3. 


Lab. 


II. 


1st Miss. I. Bar. N. G. B. E. 2. 


Saul J. G. R. Ch. 




III. 


PI. I. Sel. 2. Cy. 3. Per. 4. An. 


5. Ico. 6. L. 


7. u. 



QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. 

In what respects was the time ripe for Paul's missionary work ? 

Where was the first missionary meeting held by tlie Christian Church? 

What four things are known of Barnabas ? 

Mention the elements of Paul's fourfold preparation ? 

Give a list of the places visited in Paul's first missionary journey. 

Where was his name changed? 

Why was Cyprus a promising field of missionary effort? 
Where did Paul preach a memorable missionary sermon? 
Which two cities were wholly heathen ? 
Where was Paul stoned ? 

In what places were churches organized on the return trip? 
How long a time was included in Paul's first missionary journey? 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



49 



EIGHTH STUDY. 

THE GENTILE CHURCH RECOGNIZED. 

This is a short study, but a very important one. In it we 
consider principles and decisions of the early Church which 
were of vital importance then, also to the Christian Church 
of the present time and of all future time. In the year 
A. D. 50 the Gentile Church had become fully established 
with its headquarters at Antioch in Syria. It had also been 
widely extended, especially through the missionary labors of 
Paul and Barnabas, so that Gentile Churches had been 
organized at numerous points in Asia Minor and elsewhere. 
Gentile Christianity, however, up to this time had received 
little more than toleration from the mother Church at Jeru- 
salem, instead of the full fellowship necessary to the com- 
plete unity of the body of Christ. John 17. 21. Bigotry 
and prejudice die hard, and Jewish bigotry was most 
stubborn. 

We note three things: 

I. The Preparation for Full Recognition. 

1. Prophecy. Gen. 22. 18; Hag. 2. 7; Isa. 11. 10; Luke 
2. 32. 

2. The words of Jesus. Matt. 28. 19; Mark 16. 15; 
Luke 24. 47; Acts i. 8, 

3. The Pentecostal miracle of tongues, teaching 
that the Gospel of Christ was designed for men of every 
language and nation. Acts 2. 8. 

4. Peter's vision and mission to Cornelius (Acts 10. 
9-34), in which the great truth was brought out that " God is 
no respecter of persons; but in every nation he that feareth 
him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." 

4 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



5. The results of evangelistic labors in Samaria (Acts 8. 
5-25), Caesarea (Acts 10. 44-48), Antioch (Acts 11. 20-26), 
and Cyprus (Acts 13. 12). 

II. The Necessity for Recognition. 

1. To the converted Gentiles. These needed the en- 
couragement of full fellowship with the original Church, the 
Pentecostal Church at Jerusalem. They had broken away 
from their idolatrous countrymen, and it was neither wise nor 
safe that they should be compelled to think of themselves as 
only half Christians, and lacking something which prevented 
their full recognition by the mother Church. Rom. 3. 29,30. 

2. The need was almost equally great for the 
converted Jew. The spirit of caste must be forbidden in 
the infant Church, and the converted Jew must be given 
enlargement of spiritual vision in harmony with the world- 
wide design of the Gospel. In no other way can this neces- 
sity be better illustrated than by the incident in the life of 
Peter, when for a day he relapsed into his old Jewish habit 
of thought and feeling toward Gentiles. Gal. 2. 11-13. 

It is well to notice that Paul's sharp reproof did not result 
in permanent estrangement. 2 Peter 3, 15. 

3. To secure the concord and unity of the one Church 
of Christ in all ages. 

III. The Process of Recognition. 
We note nine successive steps : 

1. The great prosperity of the Church at Antioch. Acts 11.26. 

2. The disturbers of the peace. Acts 15. i. 

3. The deputation to Jerusalem. Acts 15. 2; Gal. 2. i, 

4. The council at Jerusalem. Acts 15. 6. 

5. The speeches : 

(i.) Peter. Acts 15. 7-11. 

(2.) Barnabas and Saul. Acts 15. 12. 

(3.) James. Acts 15. 13-21. 

6. The formal decision. Acts 15. 23-29. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



51 



7. The deputation to Antioch. Acts 15. 27. 

8. The right hand of fellowship. Gal. 2. 9. 

9. The satisfaction among the Gentile Christians. Acts 
15- 30, 31- 

It is impossible to overestimate the value of this just and 
harmonious settlement of a question- which threatened to 
create a serious schism in the early Church, or to send the 
spirit of caste down the ages, but which on the contrary was 
decided in strict harmony with the great Christian principle 
of justification by faith alone. Rom, 3. 28. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



The Gentile Church Recognized. 

I. Prep.forR. i. Pr. 2. W.ofJ. 3. M.ofT. 4. P.V.andM. 5. R. 
II. N. for R. I. To C. G. ; F. F. 2. ToC. J.; E. ofVn. 3. C. 
and U. Ch. of C. 

III. P. of R. I. P. of C. 2. D. of P. 3. D. to J. 4. C. at J. 
5. S., P., B. and S , J. 6. F. D. 7. D. to A. 8. R. II. of 
F. 9. S. amg. G. C. 



QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. 

Give the status of the Gentile Church at the close of Paul's first mission- 
ary journey. 

What more than " toleration " was needed ? 

Give the five items of " Preparation for Recognition." 

What great fundamental truth was brought out in Peter's vision and 
mission to Cornelius ? 

How did the results of evangelistic work among the Gentiles prepare 
the way for full recognition ? 

Why did converted Gentiles need full fellowship ? 

Why did converted Jews equally need to give it ? 

What instance in the life of Peter illustrates this need ? 

Why did the Church in general need the settlement of this question? 

Give the nine steps in the process of recognition. 

Who were " the disturbers of the peace?" 

What ecclesiastical body settled the question of recognition, and in what 
year ? 



52 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



NINTH STUDY. 

THE CHURCH AMONG THE GENTILES. 

Paul's Second Missionary Journey. 
Part First. 

In this study we take up the third general division of the 
history of the early Church, and commence our survey of 
the Church among the Gentiles as not only established 
and rapidly spreading, but as fully recognized by the authori- 
ties of the mother Church at Jerusalem. 

The vexed question of the relation of Jew and Gentile in 
the Gospel having been settled, an epoch of unity and pros- 
perity dawned upon the Church. This third period was one 
of expansion in area, of growth in numbers, and of develop- 
ment in doctrine. The whole world was now open to the 
Gospel, and the Church was rapidly conquering it. 

I. Time. The third period in the history of early 
Christianity embraces the twenty years between the council 
at Jerusalem, A. D. 50, and the fall of Jerusalem, A. D. 70. 

II. Place. The field is the world " was now the princi- 
ple of the Gospel, and churches were planted in every land 
and in nearly every city from the Persian Gulf to the Strait 
of Gibraltar. Notice the distance between places referred to 
in Rom. 15. 24 and i Peter 5. 13. 

I. In Asia. We find references to the following provinces 
as included in the field of the Church. Acts 16. 6, 7 ; 
I Peter i. i. We notice seven churches near the shore of the 
^gean Sea. Rev. i. 11. ^ 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



53 



2. In Europe. Early in this period the Gospel was 
planted in Macedonia and Greece, three cities in Macedonia 
having churches (Acts i6. 12; 17. i, 10); two cities in 
Greece, or Achaia (Acts 17. 16, 17; 18. i); and a province on 
the Adriatic Sea (Rom. 15. 19). 

Already, by unknown preachers, t-lie Gospel had reached 
the world's capital in Italy. Rom. i. 7. There were also 
churches in an island soulh of Greece. Titus i. 5. 

3. Although there is no direct reference to churches in 
Africa, yet from accounts in the succeeding period it is 
evident that the cities on the southern shore of the Mediter- 
ranean received the Gospel during this epoch. 

Part Second. 

III. Events. The history of this period is mainly the 
biography of one man, the apostle Paul, whose energy and 
ability gave direction to the Church during those twenty 
years. Through his journeys and preaching the Church was 
established ; in his letters the doctrinal system of the Church 
was fixed for all the centuries to come. Let us now examine 
in detail Paul's Second Missionary Journey, A. D. 5 1-54: 

I. Paul's companions. Barnabas is no longer associated 
with Paul, although invited to become his companion in this 
journey as in the first. Acts 15. 36-39. 

(i.) Silas, one of the deputation from the council at 
Jerusalem (Acts 15. 22), one of the chief men in the church 
of Jerusalem was chosen of Paul as an associate (Acts 15. 40 
to I Thess. I. i). 

(2.) Timothy, who with both Jewish and Gentile blood 
in his veins was admirably adapted for work among the 
Gentiles (Acts 16. 1-3). Note his consecration to the work 
(Phil. 2. 19, 22), his spiritual relationship to Paul (i Tim. i. 2). 

(3.) Luke, who joined Paul and his party at Troas (Acts 
16. 10). Note his profession indicated (Col. 4. 14), and his 
fidelity to the apostle (2 Tim. 4. 11). 



54 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 




2. The places visited. As the primary purpose of the 
journey was to visit the places where churches had been 
established in Asia Minor, we find that Paul and Silas chose 
the overland route from Antioch, crossing over into Cilicia 
by the Beilan Pass, anciently known as the Syrian Gates." 
What churches there were in Cilicia (Acts 15. 23) we know 
not, but must suppose from Paul's residence in Tarsus for 
some time after his conversion (Acts 9. 30) that that city 
was among the number visited. 

A large number of places, however, are mentioned by 
name, among them we have : 

(i.) Derbe and Lystra. Acts j6. i. 
(2.) Iconium. Acts 16. 2. 

(3.) The provinces of Phrygia and Galatia. Acts 16. 6. 
(4.) Mysia. Acts 16. 7. 

(5.) Troas, where he received the Macedonian call. Acts 
16. 8, 9. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



5S 



(6.) Philippi (Acts i6. 12), where Paul first preached the 
Gospel in Europe (Acts 16. 13). 

(7.) Thessalonica. Acts 
17. I. 

(8.) Berea. Acts 17. 10. 

(9.) Athens with her phi- 
losophers. Acts 17. 15-18. 

(10.) Corinth. Acts 18. i. 

(11.) Ephesus. Acts 18. 19. 

(12.) Csesarea. Acts 18. 22. 

(13.) Jerusalem. Acts 18. 22, 

(14.) Antioch. Acts 18. 22. 

3. The results of this extended Gospel tour were neither 
few nor small. 

(i.) The churches established in Asia Minor were con- 
firmed and strengthened by the apostolic visitation and the 
reception of the decrees of the council at Jerusalem (Acts 15. 
41 ; 16. 4), and their number increased daily (Acts 16. 5). 

(2.) The Gospel was carried into eastern Europe, and 
churches were planted at Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and 
Corinth. 

(3.) The first two of Paul's great epistles were written 
during his stay in Corinth— probably about A. D. 52 or 53— 
and addressed to the Church at Thessalonica. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



Paul's Second Missionary Journey. 

Part First. Ch. amg. G. I. Ti. II. PI. i- A. 2. Eu. 3- Af. 
Part Second. III. Evts. P.'s 2d M. J. I. Comp. (i.) S. 

(2.) T. (3.) L. 2. PI. (I.) D. and L. (2.) Ic. (3.) P. and 

G. (4.) My. (5.) Tr. (6.) Ph. (7.) Th. (8.) B. (9.) Ath. 

(10.) C. (II.) Eph. (12.) C. (13.) J- (14) A. 3. Rs. 

(I.) Ch. Est. Conf. Inc. (2.) Gosp. E. Eu. (3 ) i and 2 Thess. 




56 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. 

What is the third division of the history of the early Church ? 

How long a period of time does it include, and between what dates? 

Into what continents was Christianity carried during this period ? 

When was Paul's second missionary journey? j- 

Who were Paul's companions during this journey? |; 

Why was not Barnabas one of the number? 

Mention the principal places visited. 

Where did Paul first preach the Gospel in Europe? 

Where had he the most highly cultured audience ? 

What was the result of tliis journey in Asia Minor ? 

What was the result in eastern Europe ? 

Where and when were the Epistles to the Thessalonians written ? 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



57 



TENTH STUDY. 

THE CHURCH AMONG THE GENTILES. 

Paul's Third Missionary Journey. 
Part Third. 

We still continue the study of the history of the Gentile 
Church. 

I. Leadership. 

Paul is still the great leader, but in addition to Titus 
and Timothy we find some new names associated with 
him in his great work, as: 

1. Apollos, the eloquent preacher. Acts i8. 24-28. 

2. Erastus, a personal attendant. Acts 19. 22. 

3. Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, and Paul's 
companions in travel (Acts 19. 29); also: 

4. Sopater, of Berea, and 

5. Secundus, of Thessalonica ; 

6. Another GaiuS, from Derbe, and 

7. Tychicus, and 

8. Trophimus, of Ephesus. Acts 20. 4. 

9. Sosthenes. i Cor. i. i; Acts 18. 17. 

II. Membership. During this period the distinction of 
Jew and Gentile is no longer recognized in the working of 
the Church. Gal. 3. 28; Rom. 10. 12. An exception ap- 
pears in the Church at Jerusalem, which was still Jewish. 
Acts 21. 20. Judaizing teachers were also found in many 
of the churches. Gal. i. 6, 7; Phil. i. 15, 16. But the 
Church was rapidly becoming less Jewish and more Gentile, 



58 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



and was now world-wide in its plans. Col. 3. 10, 11. Note 
the expression in Col. i. 6, 23. 

III. We now study in detail Paul's Third Missionary 
Journey. 

1. The time occupied is about four years, from A. D. 
54 to 58. 

2. Paul's companions in travel. Silas was no longer 
with the great apostle, probably having been left at Jerusa- 
lem ; but Timothy was doubtless his constant companion 
and helper. Acts 19. 22; 2 Cor. i. i. 

Luke certainly was witli him during some part of this 
third journey, for we find him resuming the narrative in the 
first person at Acts 20. 6. 

Titus is also believed to have been with him, though not 
mentioned in that portion of Acts which describes this 
journey. 2 Cor. 2. 13; 7. 7; 8. 17 ; 12. 18. 

3. Places. 

(i.) Galatia and Phrygia. Acts 18. 23. 

(2.) Ephesus. Acts 19. i. 

(3.) Macedonia. Acts 20. i. 

(4.) Greece. Acts 20. 2. 

(5.) Philippi, Acts 20. 6. 

(6.) Troas. Acts 20. 6. 

(7.) Miletus. Acts 20. 17. 

(8.) Tyre. Acts 21. 3. 

(9.) Ptolemais. Acts 21. 7. 

(10.) Csesarea. Acts 21. 8. 

(11.) Jerusalem. Acts 21. 15. 

4. Events. Paul now left Antioch, which had so long 
been his headquarters, for the last time. Westward the 
Gospel wins its widening way, and Ephesus for the next three 
years became the scene of the apostle's principal labors, and 
ultimately imperial Rome became the metropolis of the 
Christian world. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



59 



(i.) The first event is the establishing the faith of the dis- 
ciples throughout the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, visit- 
ing all the churches in order. Acts i8. 23. Doubtless Paul 
found it necessary to warn them against the Judaizing 
teachers who, notwithstanding the decision of the Jerusalem 
council, continued to insist that no one could be a good 
Christian without observing the ceremonial law of Moses. 
Gal. I. 6, 7. 

Paul's heart was always very tender toward his spiritual 
children, i Cor. 4. 14, 15. 

(2.) It is not impossible that on this tour Paul was per- 
mitted to push into the region of Asia forbidden him on the 
former journey (Acts 16. 6, 7), and so planted some of the 
seven churches in Asia, mentioned in Rev. i. 11. 

(3.) Paul next fulfilled the promise recorded (Acts 18. 21), 
remaining here a longer time than in any other place during 
his Gospel ministry (Acts 20. 31). Among the items of im- 
portance connected with the pastorate in Ephesus we notice: 

a. Supplementing the work of John the Baptist. Acts 
19. 1-6. 

b. Miracles wrought by Paul (Acts 19. 11, 12), similar to 
those which authenticated Peter's apostleship at Jerusalem 
(Acts 5. 15, 16). 

c. Burning the books of magic. Acts 19. 19. 

d. Writing First Epistle to the Corinthians. 

e. Mob of the Ephesian silversmiths. Acts 19. 24-41. 

(4.) The Trip through Macedonia and Greece (Acts 20. i, 
2), and possibly Illyricum (Rom. 15. 19). 
This trip included : 

a. A brief sojourn in Philippi, where the Second Epistle 
to the Corinthians was written, A. D. 57. 

b. A visit of three months in Corinth for the correction 
of abuses (Acts 20. 3), where he wrote the Epistle to the 
Galatians, A. D. 57, and the Epistle to the Romans, A. D. 58. 



6o 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



(5.) The return voyage to Je- 
rusalem includes : 

a. A Sunday at Troas. Acts 
20. 6. 

b. Farewell interview with the 
elders of the Ephesian Church 
at Miletus. Acts 20. 17-38. 
Note Paul's affectionate, unsel- 
fish, and pathetic address on 
this occasion. 

c. The week at Tyre. Acts 21. 3. 

d. The sojourn at Csesarea with Philip the Evangelist. 
Acts 2T. 8 ; 8. 40. 

e. The welcome at Jerusalem. Acts 21. 17. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



Paul's Third Missionary Journey. 

I. Lrs. P. T. and T. A., E., G. and A., S., S., G. from D., T., 
T., and S. 

II. Mem. J.-G. At Jer. J.; elsewhere G. and J. 
III. 3d Miss. J. I. Ti. 2. Comp. T., L., T. 3. PI. (i.) G. 
and P. (2.) Eph. (3.) M. (4.) Gr. (5.) Phil. (6.) Tr. 
(7.) Mil. (8.) Ty. (9.) Ptol. (10.) Cas. (11.) J. 4. Evts. 
(i.) Est. r. (2)7 Ch. (3.) 3 Y. in Eph. (4.) Trip M. and G. 
(5.) Ret. to J. 



QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. 

Give the names of some of the men who were prominent in the Gentile 
Church. 

What was the relation of Jews and Gentiles in the Church at Jerusalem 
and elsewhere ? 

What was the probable date of Paul's third missionaiy journey ? 
Who were his traveling companions ? 
Mention the principal places visited. 




STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



6i 



What proof did Paul give of his great care for his children in the 
Gospel ? 

How long was Paul in Ephesus ? 
What was Paul's first work in Ephesus ? 

What marked evidence of sincerity was given by some of the converts 
there ? 

Wh^t epistle was written in Ephesus ? 

Where and when was the Second Epistle to the Corinthians written ? 

What two epistles were written in Corinth ? 

Where did Paul preach his longest sermon ? 

Where did he give his most tender and affecting address? 



62 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



ELEVENTH STUDY. 

THE CHURCH AMONG THE GENTILES. 

Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment. 

In considering the condition of the Gentile Church at this 
time we notice: 

I. Its Government. This grows more complex as the 
Church becomes larger and more highly organized. 

1. The apostles as a body were not prominent, probably 
because they were now separated in different lands. At 
Paul's visit to Jerusalem in A. D. 50 he "met the apostles 
and elders" (Acts 15. 6); in A. D. 60, on his next, "James 
and the elders " only are mentioned (Acts 21. 18). 

Later, Peter was at Babylon,"^ far in the East, i Peter 5. 13. 
John, according to tradition, lived at Ephesus. 

2. Bishops are first mentioned in this period. See Phil. 
I. i; I Tim. 3. i-io; Acts 20. 28 (" overseers," the same 
word elsewhere translated " bishops "). But the word seems 
to be interchangeable with elders, and refers to the same 
office. Compare Acts 20. 17 and 20. 28; also Titus i. 5 
and I. 7. 

3. Deacons also appear for the first time, as in Phil. i. i ; 
I Tim. 3. 12, 13. Notice that bishops and deacons are 
named together, not bishops, elders, and deacons. Nothing 
in the New Testament warrants the view of three orders in 
the ministry. 

A deaconess is named in Rom. 16. i. 



* Some expositors think that the word " Babylon " was used by the early 
Christians in a mystical sense for Rome. See Rev. 14. 8 ; 17. 5, 18. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



63 



4. If the Book of Revelation belongs to this period, which 
is not certain, there was another office in the Church, that of 
angel or messenger, whose rank and prerogatives are 
unknown. See Rev. i. 20; 2. i, 8, etc. 

In continuing our study of the development of tlie Church 
of the Gentiles under the labors and^ teachings of its great 
leader we now take up : 

II. Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment in Jerusalem. 

We saw that Paul's third missionary journey ended at 
Jerusalem, instead of Antioch, as did his two former journeys. 
If he had purposed to report to the Church at Antioch at the 
end of this journey also, he was prevented by circumstances 
entirely beyond his control. 

1. The time, A. D. 60. 

2. The events. 

(i.) The welcome. Acts 21. 17. 

(2.) The meeting of the elders, presided over by the 
venerable James (Acts 21. 18), when Paul rehearsed the suc- 
cess God had given him in his ministry among the Gentiles 
(Acts 21. 19), and presented the alms which he and the 
deputies from the Churches had brought for the poor saints 
in Jerusalem (Acts 24. 17). 

(3.) The concession to Jewish prejudice and sus- 
picion. Acts 21. 23, 24. Note this action was precisely in 
accord with Paul's principle of conduct as laid down in 
I Cor. 9. 20. 

(4.) The tumult made by bigoted Jews from Asia, 
who it is probable had been defeated in argument with Paul 
in the synagogue of Ephesus (Acts 19. 8, 9), and now saw an 
opportunity for revenge (Acts 21. 27). They raised the cry 
of " heretic," and Paul was soon in danger of suffering the 
fate of Stephen. 

(5.) The Roman interposition and rescue from the 
Jewish mob. Acts 21. 31-33. 



64 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



(6.) Paul's first defense. Acts 21. 40 to 22. 21. Note 
his use of the Hebrew tongue (Acts 22. 2); his appeal to his 
early record (Acts 22. 3-5); the story of his conversion (Acts 
22. 6-16); his appointment as apostle to the Gentiles 
(Acts 22. 18-21). 

(7.) The rights of Roman citizenship. Acts 22. 25-30. 

(8.) Paul's second defense. Acts 23. 1-6. Note a 
shrewd stroke of policy in setting his foes against each 
other. 

(9.) The conspiracy and Paul's removal to Cccsarea. 
Acts 23. 12-33. 




PAUL BEFORE THE JEWISH COUNCIL. 



III. The Imprisonment in Caesarea. 

1. The Time. Two years, A. D. 60-62. 

2. The Place. Caesarea was the Roman capitalof Pal- 
estine, as Jerusalem was the Jewish, or ecclesiastical, cap- 
ital. Here the Roman governor lived, maintaining his 
court and supported by a detachment of Roman soldiers. 
Acts 10. I. The city was built by Herod the Great, who 
transformed an insignificant fishing village into a city of 
marble and named it in honor of the emperor. The site is 
now marked only by a few scattered ruins. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



65 



3. The Events. 

(i.) Paul's third defense, made before Felix in reply 
to a threefold charge made by Tettullus, namely, that Paul 
created disturbances among the Jews; he was the ring- 
leader of a sect called Nazarenes, and that he was a pro- 
faner of the Jewish temple. Acts 24. 10-21. 

(2.) The fourth defense before Felix and Drusilla. 
Acts 24. 24, 25. Note the effect of Pau^l's words. Acts 
24. 25. 

(3.) Paul's fifth defense, made before Festus, the suc- 
cessor of Felix. Acts 25. 8. 

(4.) Paul's appeal to Caesar. Acts 25.9-12. Having ap- 
pealed his case to the emperor himself, as was the right of a 
freeborn Roman citizen, he must be sent to Rome and the 
case heard and decided by Caesar himself. Acts 25. 12; 
26. 32. 

(5.) The examination before Festus, King Agrippa, 
and Bernice. Acts 26. 1-29. Note the verdict ''not guilty." 
Acts 26. 31. 

It only remained to find a proper mode of sending Paul to 
Rome and sending with him a letter stating the reasons for 
this course. See Acts 25. 25-27. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment. 

I. Ch.Gov. I. A. not Prom. 2. Bps. 3. Dea. 4. A. or Mess. 
II. P.'s A. I. Ti. A. D. 60. 2. Evts. (i.) Wei. (2.) Mtg. 
Eld. (3.) Con. to J. Prej. (4.) Turn. (5.) Rom. Int. (6.) 
P.'s 1st Def. (7.) Rom. Cit. (8.) P.'s 2d Def. (9.) Conspir. 
III. Imp. in Caes. i. Ti. A. D. 60-62. 2. Pi. C. 3. Evts. 
(i.) P.'s 3d Def. (2.) P.'s 4th Def. (3.) P.'s 5th Def. 
(4.) Ap. to C. (5.) Ex. before F. and Ag. 



5 



66 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. 

What change occurred in the government of the Church as it became 
larger ? 

•Who showed authority with the apostles ? 
In what sense is the word " bishop " used ? 

Was there any office between those of bishops and deacons in the early 
Church ? 

Give the date of Paul's arrest in Jerusalem. 

By whom had he been welcomed to that city? 

What concession was asked of liim ? 

Did this concession work for good or ill ? 

Who rescued Paul from the Jewish mob ? 

When did Paul make his first defense ? 

Why did Paul claim the rights of Roman citizenship? 

Why was Csesarea an important city ? 

Under what governors was Paul imprisoned in Csesarea ? 

Before whom did Paul make his fifth defense ? 

What led Paul to appeal to Caesar? 

W^hat was the verdict on Paul's last examination before Festus? 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



67 



TWELFTH STUDY. 

THE CHURCH AMONG THE GENTILES. 

Paul's Voyage to Rome and Imprisonment. 

" Look in and see Christ's chosen saint 

In meekness wear his Chrisllike chain ; 
Nor fear lest he should swerve or faint, 

His life is Christ — his death is gain." 

—Keble. 

I. Institutions of the Gentile Church. We find a 
separation made between the Christian and the Jewish syna- 
gogue. See Acts 18. 7, 8 ; 19. 9. The Lord's Day begins to 
be marked as a day for the assemblage of Christians. Acts 
20. 7; I. Cor. 16. 2; Rev. i. 10. Specific directions con- 
cerning the Lord's Supper are given, i Cor. 10. 16; 11. 
20-34. Prophets are named again in Acts 21. 9, 10, and re- 
ceive directions in i Cor. 14. 

II. Doctrinal Teachings of the Period. This epoch 
was marked by the systematization of the doctrines of the 
Church, wrought in the mind and stated by the pen of the 
apostle Paul. We can only name the general subjects with- 
out particular statement. The doctrines of salvation, particu- 
larly the great doctrine of justification by faith in Christ, are 
presented in the Epistle to the Romans. The doctrine con- 
cerning Christ is given in Philippians and Colossians. The 
doctrine of the Church is contained in Ephesians. From the 
epistles of Paul the theology of the Church in all depart- 
ments of beliet has been drawn. 

HI. Paul's Voyage to Rome. 
I, Time, Probably A. D. 63. 



68 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



2. Companions. These were Luke and Aristarchus. 
Acts 27. 2. Other prisoners of state also accompanied 
them, all under the charge of Julius, a centurion of the 
Augustan cohort, with a band of soldiers for a guard. Acts 

27. I. 

3. Events. 

(i.) The voyage to Myra. Acts 27. 5. Notice the 
courtesy of the commanding officer to his distinguished 
prisoner. Acts 27. 3. Character always commands respect. 

(2.) The disastrous voyage to Melita in the Alexan- 
drian corn ship. Acts 27. 6-44. 

This voyage included the stay at the port of Fair Havens 
(Acts 27. 8-13), the hurricane (Acts 
27. 14-20), Paul's vision (Acts 27. 
21-26), and the final shipwreck 
(xActs 27. 20-41). Notice the fulfill- 
ment of Paul's assurance of safety 
for all on board (Acts 27. 44). 

(3.) The winter spent in Mel- 
ita, the modern Malta. Acts 28. 
i-i I. 

(4.) The final trip to Rome. 

By sea via Syracuse to Puteoli, on the Bay of Naples (Acts 28. 
11-13), where a short stop was made (Acts 28. 14). Thence 
by land, via Appii Forum and the Three Taverns (Acts 28. 15), 
they journey along the Appian road to the imperial city (Acts 

28. 16). Notice Paul's escort (Acts 28. 15). 

IV. Paul's Residence in Rome. 

I. The city. Rome at this time was the great capital of 
the world, a city of two millions of inhabitants. Socially it 
was a great hotbed of corruption and crime. Religiously it 
was pagan. There were not only temples for the principal 
deities of Roman mythology, but the great Pantheon, or 
temple of all the gods. 




STUDIES IN THE ROOK OF ACTS. 



69 



2. The captivity. Under Nero. In his own house. 
Acts 28. 16. For two years. Acts 28. 30. 

3. The ministry, (i.) To the Jews. Acts 28. 17-24. 
(2.) To the Gentiles. Acts 28. 25-31. 

4. Epistles. During these two years Paul wrote the 
Epistles to Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians. 

V. Subsequent Events. 

We have now finished our " Studies in the Acts of the 
xA-postles," but there are a few events so well supported by 




ANCILNT ROME — THE FORUM RESTORED. 



history or tradition that they should be included in the story 
of the Gentile Church, especially since they are referred to 
in some of Paul's epistles. 

I. Paul's release. After an imprisonment of two years 
Paul was set free, and so remained for two or three years, as 
is evident from allusions in the two epistles written in this 
interval, i Tim. i. 3; Titus i. 5 ; 3. 12. During this time 



70 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



he is supposed to have preached the Gospel in Spain, also to 
have visited the churches in Asia Minor and other portions 
of the East. 

2. Paul's rearrest and martyrdom. An imperial 
persecution fell upon the Church more terrible than any 
preceding one. There had always been more or less of per- 
secution, but it had been local and instigated by Jewish 
enemies. Now, however, the mighty hand of the Roman 
government was laid upon the Church, under Nero, the 
wickedest of all the emperors. In this persecution the 
apostle suffered martyrdom, being beheaded, outside the 
walls of Rome on the road to Ostia. Christian tradition has 
fixed the date on June 29, A. D. 66. See Paul's last letter. 
2 Tim, 4. 6-8. 

3. The fall of Jerusalem. In the year A. D. 66 the Jews 
of Palestine attempted to rebel against the Roman govern- 
ment. They fought bravely, but could do nothing against 
the power that ruled the world. In the year A. D. 70 the 
city of Jerusalem was taken and destroyed by the Romans 
under Titus, and the Jewish state was annihilated. From 
that time all relation between Judaism and Christianity was 
ended, and the Church was exclusively Gentile in its mem- 
bership, 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE, 



Paul's Voyage to Rome and Imprisonment, 

I. Inst. I. CIi. vs. Syn. 2, L.'s Day vs. J. Sab. 3. L.'s Sup. 
II. Doc. I. J. by F. 2. Christ. 3. Ch. 4. All Theol. from R's 
Epist. 

III. P. Voy. to R. I. Ti. 2. Comp. L. and A. 3. Evts. 

(i.) To My. (2.) To Mel. (3.) Wint. in Mel. (4.) To R. 

IV. P. Res. in R. i. Cty, 2. Cap. 3. Min. 4. Epist. P., Col., 

Ph., Eph. 

V. Sub. Evts. I. P.'s Rel. 2. P.'s Rear, and Mar. 3. F. of J. 



STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 



71 



QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. 

How came the church to take the place of the synagogue ? 

What great Christian rite was regulated in this period ? 

What are some of the great doctrines of the Church of the Gentiles ? 

Whence has the theology of the Church been largely drawn ? 

Mention the places visited by Paul on his voyage to Rome. 

Where was he shipwrecked ? 

Where did he meet a deputation from Rome? 

Give some of the characteristics of imperial Rome. 

How was Paul received by the Jews at Rome ? 

How close was his captivity ? 

How extended was his ministry? 

What epistles were written in. Rome? 

What reasons are there for believing in Paul's release ? 

Where did his martyrdom occur? 

When was the fall of Jerusalem ? 



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